The Buddhist Rock-Cut Caves of Western India: A Flourishing of Art and Faith
The period between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE saw a great flourishing of Buddhist rock-cut architecture in Western India. Under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty, a large number of cave temples and monasteries were carved out of the rocky hills of the Deccan.
A Shift to the West
The decline of the Mauryan Empire in the 2nd century BCE and the subsequent persecution of Buddhism under Pushyamitra Sunga led many Buddhists to relocate to the Deccan. The Western Ghats, with its flat-topped basalt hills and deep ravines, was an ideal location for the construction of cave temples and monasteries.
The Earliest Caves
The earliest of the Western Indian caves include the Bhaja Caves, the Karla Caves, the Bedse Caves, the Kanheri Caves, and some of the Ajanta Caves. These early caves were relatively simple in design, with an apsidal plan for the chaityas (worship halls) and a rectangular plan for the viharas (monasteries).
The Influence of Trade
The development of the Western Indian caves was closely linked to the growth of trade. Buddhist missionaries often accompanied traders on the busy international trade routes that passed through the Deccan. As mercantile and royal endowments grew, the cave interiors became more elaborate, with pillars, arches, and intricate carvings.
Imitating Wooden Structures
The artisans who created these caves had not forgotten their timber roots. They skillfully carved the rock to imitate the texture, grain, and structure of wood. This is evident in the “wooden” beams and brackets that adorn the ceilings of many of these caves.
A Legacy in Stone
The Buddhist rock-cut caves of Western India are a testament to the skill and artistry of the artisans who created them. They are also a valuable source of information about the history of Buddhism in India and the close relationship between religion and trade in the ancient world.